Improving PCI Outcomes Using Postprocedural Physiology and Intravascular Imaging

Clinical implications of the MELD-XI score in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the SAKURA PCI2 Antithrombotic registry

Background

The association between hepatorenal function, assessed by the Model for End-stage Liver Disease eXcluding International normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score, and clinical prognosis remains unclear in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of the MELD-XI score.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent PCI from June 2020 to September 2022 in the SAKURA PCI2 Antithrombotic registry, a multi-center observational prospective cohort study, were reviewed. Patients with missing data for calculating the MELD-XI score were excluded. Study participating patients were stratified into two groups based on the MELD-XI score: high (>10) and low (≤10). The primary outcome was defined as two-year all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was defined as major bleeding in accordance with the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5.

Results

Among 1064 patients, 265 (24.9 %) were stratified into a high MELD-XI score. Patients with a high MELD-XI had higher two-year all-cause mortality than those with a low MELD-XI score (19.6 % vs. 4.7 %, log-rank p < 0.01). This association was supported in the multivariable analysis (adjusted HR 3.26, 95 %CI 1.84-5.75, p < 0.01) and further supported by spline curve analysis. A high MELD-XI score was also associated with an increased risk of major bleeding (adjusted HR 2.94, 95 %Ci 1.55-5.56, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

A high MELD-XI score was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and major bleeding within two years. Therefore, the MELD-XI score could provide valuable additional information for risk stratification in patients undergoing PCI.

Segmental post-percutaneous coronary intervention physiological gradients using ultrasonic or optical flow ratio: insights from ASET JAPAN study

Aims

Segmental pressure gradients post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can detect residual disease and optimization targets. Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) or optical flow ratio (OFR) offer simultaneous physiological and morphological assessment using a single imaging catheter. This study evaluated the utility of UFR and OFR in identifying residual disease post-PCI.

Methods and results

The study include patients from the Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial JAPAN Pilot study with complete intravascular imaging pullback data, where UFR or OFR was obtained post-PCI. Anatomical focal lesions distal and proximal to the stent were analysed in segments ≥5 mm long. UFR or OFR virtual pullback curves assessed intra-stent pressure gradients, defining physiological focal or diffuse by segmental pressure drops ≥0.05 over lengths <10 or ≥10 mm, respectively. The median post-PCI UFR/OFR was 0.93 (0.88-0.96) with 35.4% (69/195) vessels having a UFR/OFR < 0.91. There were significantly more focal lesions, both anatomical and physiological, proximal and distal to the stent in vessels with UFR/OFR < 0.91 compared with those ≥0.91. Agreement between anatomical and physiological focal lesions was moderate proximally (kappa = 0.553, P < 0.001) and fair distally (kappa = 0.219, P = 0.002). The in-stent gradient poorly predicted significant stent under-expansion. However, the virtual fractional flow reserve gradient performed well in detecting proximal or distal focal disease (area under the curve = 0.835 and 0.877, respectively).

Conclusion

UFR/OFR effectively identifies sub-optimal vessel physiology post-PCI and locates precise anatomical issues, validated by intravascular imaging.

Trial registration

The ASET JAPAN ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT05117866.

Intravascular Ultrasound Guiding Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Complex Higher Risk-Indicated Patients (CHIPs): Insight from Clinical Evidence

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has transformed the management of complex higher risk-indicated patients (CHIPs), representing a pivotal advancement in high-risk procedure navigation. IVUS, complementing conventional angiography, provides unparalleled insights into lesion characteristics, plaque morphology, and vessel structure, enhancing the precision of stent placement and postprocedural care for CHIPs. The ongoing trials underscore the pivotal role of IVUS in optimizing procedural accuracy and improving clinical outcomes for high-risk patients, promising exciting new findings. However, notable gaps persist, encompassing the absence of standardized IVUS protocols, cost implications, and limited integration into routine practice. This study aims to address these gaps comprehensively by further delineating the influence of IVUS on patient outcomes, procedural success, and long-term prognostic indicators. This review aims to provide a clear overview of IVUS-guided PCI in CHIP, highlighting the significance of ongoing trials, identifying prevalent challenges, and outlining the objective of narrowing these gaps.

Extracellular RIPK3 Acts as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern to Exaggerate Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has emerged as an important therapeutic target for ischemic heart disease. Currently, there is no effective therapy for reducing cardiac I/R injury. Damage-associated molecular patterns are endogenous molecules released after cellular damage to exaggerate tissue inflammation and injury. RIPK3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3), a well-established intracellular mediator of cell necroptosis and inflammation, serves as a circulating biomarker of multiple diseases. However, whether extracellular RIPK3 also exerts biological functions in cardiac I/R injury remains totally unknown.

METHODS

Patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were recruited independently in the discovery cohort (103 patients) and validation cohort (334 patients), and major adverse cardiovascular events were recorded. Plasma samples were collected before and after PCI (6 and 24 h) for RIPK3 concentration measurement. Cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells, and in vivo mouse models with myocardial injury induced by I/R (or hypoxia/reoxygenation) were used to investigate the role and mechanisms of extracellular RIPK3. Another cohort including patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving PCI and healthy volunteers was recruited to further explore the mechanisms of extracellular RIPK3.

RESULTS

In the discovery cohort, elevated plasma RIPK3 levels after PCI are associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction, as confirmed in the validation cohort. In both cultured cells and in vivo mouse models, recombinant RIPK3 protein exaggerated myocardial I/R (or hypoxia/reoxygenation) injury, which was alleviated by the RIPK3 antibody. Mechanistically, RIPK3 acted as a damage-associated molecular pattern and bound with RAGE (receptor of advanced glycation end-products), subsequently activating CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II) to elicit the detrimental effects. The positive correlation between plasma RIPK3 concentrations and CaMKII phosphorylation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the positive relationship between plasma RIPK3 concentrations and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving PCI. As a damage-associated molecular pattern, extracellular RIPK3 plays a causal role in multiple pathological conditions during cardiac I/R injury through RAGE/CaMKII signaling. These findings expand our understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of RIPK3, and also provide a promising therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury and the associated complications.

Assessment of occupational radiation exposure during a specific endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation exposure of staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with a focus on individuals closest to the radiation source, and to identify potential increases in exposure to hands and eye lenses. Patient radiation exposure during ERCP was also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Staff organ doses were monitored using a Philips Allura Xper FD 20 fluoroscopy system, during 24 ERCP procedures for a period of 7 months. Staff doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosemeters and electronic personal dosemeters, and patient effective doses were simulated and calculated.

RESULTS

Physicians' annual organ doses ranged from 0.2 to 1.6 mSv for shoulders, 0.1 to 0.4 mSv for eye lenses, and 0.3 to 1.6 mSv for fingers. The annual organ dose of the nursing staff ranged from 0.08 to 2.4 mSv for shoulders, 0.02 to 2.3 mSv for eye lenses, and 1.2 to 5.3 mSv for fingers. The effective dose to patients ranged from 0.009 to 0.46 mSv.

CONCLUSION

Staff doses were within safe limits, but patient doses were high, emphasizing the need for improved radiation protection.

Coronary Physiology to Guide Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Why, When, and How

Over most of the history of interventional cardiology, it has been tacitly assumed that once flow-limiting coronary disease had been documented, angiography was sufficient to plan percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and, subsequently, to decide if an optimal procedural result had been achieved. This view has been challenged by recent studies evaluating the results of PCI with fractional flow reserve and nonhyperemic pressure ratios. Evidence has accumulated showing that suboptimal functional PCI results occur frequently despite a good angiographic result and that they are associated with worse patient outcomes. In this article, we discuss how available coronary physiology tools, either guide wire or image-based, may address this problem by facilitating better procedural planning and PCI precision and optimization.

Comparison between Imaging and Physiology in Guiding Coronary Revascularization: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a widely used revascularization strategy for coronary artery disease. The choice between imaging-guided and physiology-guided PCI has been a subject of debate. This meta-analysis aims to systematically compare outcomes between imaging and physiology-guided PCI and management of intermediate coronary lesions (ICLs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases for studies published up to December 2023 following PRISMA guidelines. Seven eligible studies comparing imaging-guided and physiology-guided PCI were selected for the final analysis. Relevant outcome measures included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target vessel failure (TVF), and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Subgroup analysis was performed for ICLs. Results: A total of 5701 patients were included in the meta-analysis. After a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, imaging-guided PCI was associated with lower rates of TVR compared to physiology-guided PCI (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.95, p = 0.02); concerning MACE, TVF, and TLR, no differences were found. When the analysis was restricted to studies considering ICLs management, there were no differences between the two techniques. Meta regression analysis did not show any impact of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presentation on MACE and TVR. Conclusions: The findings suggest that imaging-guided PCI may reduce the need for future revascularization of the target vessel compared to the functional-guided approach, and this result was not influenced by ACS presentation. These results may have important implications for clinical practice, guiding interventional cardiologists in selecting the most appropriate guidance strategy.

Impact of post-dilatation on post-procedural physiology, microcirculatory resistance, and target vessel failure in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal stent deployment is frequently observed in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). This study sought to investigate whether these patients could benefit from post-dilatation with respect to post-procedural physiology, microcirculatory resistance, and long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of consecutive STEMI patients who underwent successful stent implantation during PPCI from February 2016 to November 2021. Post-procedural physiology and microcirculatory resistance were assessed by Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) and angiographic microcirculatory resistance (AMR), respectively. The primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-oriented myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target vessel revascularization.

RESULTS

A total of 671 patients (671 culprit vessels) were included. Post-dilatation was selectively performed in 430 (64.1%) culprit vessels, resulting in a 0.02 (interquartile range: 0.00-0.05, p < 0.001) increase in post-procedural μQFR but no significant impact on AMR. During a median follow-up of 2.8 years (interquartile range: 1.4-3.0 years), TVF occurred in 47 (7.0%) patients. Post-dilatation demonstrated a trend toward a reduction in TVF (5.3% vs. 10.0%; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.33-1.09, p = 0.094), mainly driven by a lower incidence of clinically driven target vessel revascularization (1.6% vs. 4.1%; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.90, p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, selective post-dilatation was associated with improved post-procedural physiological results and a trend toward less TVF events without aggravating microcirculatory resistance.

Impact of preprocedural left ventricular systolic function on the safety and durability of percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered less safe in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF), an impression based on older data. Whether the safety and durability of contemporary PCI are different in patients with reduced EF compared with normal EF patients is unknown.

METHODS

Patients from the BIOFLOW II, IV and V clinical trials were grouped as normal EF (≥50%) and reduced EF (30%-50%). Using multivariable logistic regression and cox proportional hazards regression, we determined relations of EF category with procedural safety (a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke and urgent coronary artery bypass grafting within 30 days of PCI) and target lesion failure (TLF; comprising cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization within 1 year of PCI) respectively. In sensitivity analyses, we regrouped patients into EF < 45% and ≥55% and repeated the aforementioned analyses.

RESULTS

In 1685 patients with normal EF (mean age 65 years; 27% women; mean EF 61%) and 259 with low EF (mean age 64 years; 17% women; mean EF 41%), 101 safety and 148 TLF events occurred. Compared with patients in the normal EF group, those with reduced EF had neither a statistically significant higher proportion of safety events, nor a higher multivariable-adjusted risk for such events. Similarly, patients with reduced EF and normal EF did not differ in terms of TLF event proportions or multivariable-adjusted risk for TLF. The results were similar in sensitivity analyses with EF groups redefined to create a 10% between-group EF separation.

CONCLUSION

PCI safety and durability outcomes are similar in patients with mild-moderately reduced EF and normal EF.

Coronary Physiology as Part of a State-of-the-Art Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategy: Lessons from SYNTAX II and Beyond

The use of coronary physiology allows for rational decision making at the time of PCI, contributing to better patient outcomes. Yet, coronary physiology is only one aspect of optimal revascularization. State-of-the-art PCI must also consider other important aspects such as intracoronary imaging guidance and specific procedural expertise, as tested in the SYNTAX II study. In this review, we highlight the technical aspects pertaining to the use of physiology as used in that trial and offer a glimpse into the future with emerging physiologic metrics, including functional coronary angiography, which have already established themselves as useful indices to guide decision making.

Efficacy of Intravascular Imaging-Guided Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Intravascular imaging (IVI) namely intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), presents as a promising imaging modality for drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation compared to the gold-standard conventional two-dimensional angiography. IVI provides detailed information on vessel lumen, lesion length, and degree of calcification. For this purpose, we conducted a meta-analysis by pooling recently conducted randomized control trials (RCTs) to compare IVI with angiography for DES implantation. Scopus and MEDLINE were searched till May 2023 for RCTs comparing IVI with traditional angiography-guided stent implantation in coronary artery disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of interest was target-lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary outcomes included target vessel revascularization (TVR), all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). A random-effects meta-analysis with metaregression was performed to derive risk ratios with corresponding 95% CIs from dichotomous data. Fourteen RCTs with a total of 8946 CAD patients (IVI 4751 vs angiography 4195; mean age 61.7 years) and a median follow-up of 15 months (12-24.3) were included. IVI was associated with significantly reduced TLR (RR 0.63 [0.49, 0.79]) vs conventional angiography. Similarly, TVR incidence (RR 0.66 [0.53, 0.83]), and MACE (RR 0.69 [0.58, 0.78]) were also significantly decreased with IVI vs conventional angiography for PCI. However, no significant difference was observed in all-cause mortality between the 2 imaging modalities (RR 0.85 [0.63, 1.15]). Metaregression analysis showed no significant impact of follow-up duration, baseline comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking status, previous MI, and stent length on TLR incidence. IVI was associated with improved clinical outcomes in terms of reduced TLR, TVR, and MACE incidence when compared with traditional angiography in CAD patients for stent implantation.

Contemporary Use of Coronary Physiology in Cardiology

Coronary angiography has a limited ability to predict the functional significance of intermediate coronary lesions. Hence, physiological assessment of coronary lesions, via fractional flow reserve (FFR) or instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR), has been introduced to determine their functional significance. An accumulating body of evidence has consolidated the role of physiology-guided revascularization, particularly among patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The use of FFR or iFR to guide decision-making in patients with stable ischemic heart disease and intermediate coronary lesions received a class I recommendation from major societal guidelines. Nevertheless, the role of coronary physiology testing is less clear among certain patients' groups, including patients with serial coronary lesions, acute coronary syndromes, aortic stenosis, heart failure, as well as post-percutaneous coronary interventions. In this review, we aimed to discuss the utility and clinical evidence of coronary physiology (mainly FFR and iFR), with emphasis on those specific patient groups.

Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry. 32nd official report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (1990-2022)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

This article presents the annual activity report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) for the year 2022.

METHODS

All Spanish centers with catheterization laboratories were invited to participate. Data were collected online and were analyzed by an external company in collaboration with the members of the board of the ACI-SEC.

RESULTS

A total of 111 centers participated. The number of diagnostic studies increased by 4.8% compared with 2021, while that of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) remained stable. PCIs on the left main coronary artery increased by 22%. The radial approach continued to be preferred for PCI (94.9%). There was an upsurge in the use of drug-eluting balloons, as well as in intracoronary imaging techniques, which were used in 14.7% of PCIs. The use of pressure wires also increased (6.3% vs 2021) as did plaque modification techniques. Primary PCI continued to grow and was the most frequent treatment (97%) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Most noncoronary procedures maintained their upward trend, particularly percutaneous aortic valve implantation, atrial appendage closure, mitral/tricuspid edge-to-edge therapy, renal denervation, and percutaneous treatment of pulmonary arterial disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry for 2022 reveals a rise in the complexity of coronary disease, along with a notable growth in procedures for valvular and nonvalvular structural heart disease.

Clinical Benefit of Intravascular Imaging Compared With Conventional Angiography in Left Main Coronary Artery Intervention

BACKGROUND

The RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI (Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravascular Imaging Guidance Versus Angiography-Guidance on Clinical Outcomes After Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) demonstrated that intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improved clinical outcome compared with angiography-guided PCI for patients with complex coronary artery lesions. This study aims to assess whether the prognostic benefit of intravascular imaging-guided procedural optimization persists in patients undergoing PCI for left main coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Of 1639 patients enrolled in the RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI, 192 patients with left main coronary artery disease were selected for the current prespecified substudy. Selected patients were randomly assigned to either the intravascular imaging-guided PCI group (n=138) or the angiography-guided PCI group (n=54). The primary end point was target vessel failure defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target vessel revascularization.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 2.1 years (interquartile range 1.1 to 3.0 years), intravascular imaging-guided PCI was associated with lower incidence of primary end point compared with angiography-guided PCI (6.8% versus 25.1%; hazard ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.13-0.76]; P=0.010). This significant reduction in primary end point was mainly driven by a lower risk of cardiac death or spontaneous target vessel-related myocardial infarction (1.6% versus 12.7%; hazard ratio, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.03-0.82]; P=0.028). Intravascular imaging-guided PCI was independently associated with a lower risk of primary end point, even after adjusting for various clinical factors (hazard ratio, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.12-0.72]; P=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravascular imaging-guided PCI showed clinical benefit over angiography-guided PCI for left main coronary artery disease in reducing the risk of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03381872.

Individualization of Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Coronary Stenting: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Review

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), comprising aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, is the cornerstone of post-percutaneous coronary intervention treatment to prevent stent thrombosis and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The selection of an optimal DAPT regimen, considering the interplay of various antiplatelet agents, patient profiles, and procedural characteristics, remains an evolving challenge. Traditionally, a standard duration of 12 months has been recommended for DAPT in most patients. While contemporary guidelines provide general frameworks, DAPT modulation with longer or shorter treatment courses followed by aspirin or P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy are evolving towards an individualized strategy to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety. This review comprehensively examines the current landscape of DAPT strategies after coronary stenting, with a focus on emerging evidence for treatment individualization.

Multimodality OCT, IVUS and FFR evaluation of coronary intermediate grade lesions in women vs. men

Background

The pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque formation and its vulnerability seem to differ between genders due to contrasting risk profiles and sex hormones, however this process is still insufficiently understood. The aim of the study was to compare the differences between sexes regarding the optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR)-derived coronary plaque indices.

Methods

In this single-center multimodality imaging study patients with intermediate grade coronary stenoses identified in coronary angiogram (CAG) were evaluated using OCT, IVUS and FFR. Stenoses were considered significant when the FFR value was ≤0.8. Minimal lumen area (MLA), was analyzed by OCT in addition to plaque stratification into fibrotic, calcific, lipidic and thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). IVUS was used for evaluation of lumen-, plaque- and vessel volume, as well as plaque burden.

Results

A total of 112 patients (88 men and 24 women) with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS), who underwent CAG were enrolled. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were present between the study groups. The mean FFR was 0.76 (0.73-0.86) in women and 0.78 ± 0.12 in men (p = 0.695). OCT evaluation showed a higher prevalence of calcific plaques among women than men p = 0.002 whereas lipid plaques were more frequent in men (p = 0.04). No significant differences regarding minimal lumen diameter and minimal lumen area were found between the sexes. In IVUS analysis women presented with significantly smaller vessel area, plaque area, plaque volume, vessel volume (11.1 ± 3.3 mm² vs. 15.0 ± 4.6 mm² p = 0.001, 6.04 ± 1.7 mm² vs. 9.24 ± 2.89 mm² p < 0.001, 59.8 ± 35.2 mm³ vs. 96.3 (52.5-159.1) mm³ p = 0.005, 106.9 ± 59.8 mm³ vs. 153.3 (103-253.4) mm³ p = 0.015 respectively). At MLA site plaque burden was significantly greater for men than women (61.50 ± 7.7% vs. 55.5 ± 8.0% p = 0.005). Survival did not differ significantly between women and men (94.6 ± 41.9 months and 103.51 ± 36.7 months respectively; p = 0.187).

Conclusion

The presented study did not demonstrate significant differences in FFR values between women and men, yet a higher prevalence of calcific plaques by OCT and lower plaque burden at the MLA site by IVUS was found in women vs. men.

Validation of Segmental Post-PCI Physiological Gradients With IVUS-Detected Focal Lesions and Stent Underexpansion

BACKGROUND

Segmental post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) pressure gradients may detect residual disease and potential targets for optimization. However, universal definitions of relevant segmental gradients are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The study sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of post-PCI fractional flow reserve (FFR), distal coronary pressure-to-aortic pressure ratio (Pd/Pa), and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) gradients to detect residual focal lesions and stent underexpansion as observed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

METHODS

Patients from the IVUS-guided optimization arm of the FFR REACT (FFR-guided PCI Optimization Directed by High-Definition IVUS Versus Standard of Care) trial with complete IVUS and FFR pullback data were included. Patients with angiographically successful PCI and post-PCI FFR <0.90 underwent FFR, Pd/Pa, and IVUS pullbacks. dPR was calculated offline using dedicated software. Segmental pressure gradients (distal, in stent, and proximal) in segments ≥5 mm were evaluated against IVUS-detected residual disease (distal or proximal focal lesions and stent underexpansion).

RESULTS

A total of 139 vessels were included (mean post-PCI FFR: 0.83 ± 0.05, range 0.56-0.89). Focal distal and proximal lesions were detected by IVUS in 23 (17.4%) of 132 and 14 (12.6%) of 111 vessels, respectively, whereas stent underexpansion was present in 86 (61.9%) vessels. Diagnostic ability of segmental FFR gradients to predict IVUS-detected distal and proximal lesions was moderate to good (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.69 and 0.84, respectively) and poor to moderate for segmental Pd/Pa and dPR gradients (AUC ranging from 0.58 to 0.69). In-stent gradients had no discriminative ability to detect stent underexpansion (FFR AUC: 0.52; Pd/Pa AUC: 0.54; dPR AUC: 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with post-PCI FFR <0.90, segmental post-PCI pressure gradients have moderate discriminative ability to identify IVUS-detected focal lesions but no discriminative ability to identify IVUS-detected stent underexpansion.

QFR-Based Virtual PCI or Conventional Angiography to Guide PCI: The AQVA Trial

BACKGROUND

Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) quantitative flow ratio (QFR) values ≥0.90 are associated with a low incidence of adverse events.

OBJECTIVES

The AQVA (Angio-based Quantitative Flow Ratio Virtual PCI Versus Conventional Angio-guided PCI in the Achievement of an Optimal Post-PCI QFR) trial aims to test whether a QFR-based virtual percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is superior to a conventional angiography-based PCI at obtaining optimal post-PCI QFR results.

METHODS

The AQVA trial is an investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Three hundred patients (356 study vessels) undergoing PCI were randomized 1:1 to receive either QFR-based virtual PCI or angiography-based PCI (standard of care). The primary outcome was the rate of study vessels with a suboptimal post-PCI QFR value, which was defined as <0.90. Secondary outcomes were procedure duration, stent length/lesion, and stent number/patient.

RESULTS

Overall, 38 (10.7%) study vessels missed the prespecified optimal post-PCI QFR target. The primary outcome occurred significantly more frequently in the angiography-based group (n = 26, 15.1%) compared with the QFR-based virtual PCI group (n = 12 [6.6%]; absolute difference = 8.5%; relative difference = 57%; P = 0.009). The main cause of a suboptimal result in the angiography-based group is the underestimation of a diseased segment outside the stented one. There were no significant differences among secondary endpoints, although stent length/lesion and stent number/patient were numerically lower in the virtual PCI group (P = 0.06 and P = 0.08, respectively), whereas procedure length was higher in the virtual PCI group (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

The AQVA trial demonstrated the superiority of QFR-based virtual PCI over angiography-based PCI with regard to post-PCI optimal physiological results. Future larger randomized clinical trials that demonstrate the superiority of this approach in terms of clinical outcomes are warranted. (Angio-based Quantitative Flow Ratio Virtual PCI Versus Conventional Angio-guided PCI in the Achievement of an Optimal Post-PCI QFR [AQVA]; NCT04664140).

Coronary Physiology as Part of a State-of-the-Art Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategy: Lessons from SYNTAX II and Beyond

The use of coronary physiology allows for rational decision making at the time of PCI, contributing to better patient outcomes. Yet, coronary physiology is only one aspect of optimal revascularization. State-of-the-art PCI must also consider other important aspects such as intracoronary imaging guidance and specific procedural expertise, as tested in the SYNTAX II study. In this review, we highlight the technical aspects pertaining to the use of physiology as used in that trial and offer a glimpse into the future with emerging physiologic metrics, including functional coronary angiography, which have already established themselves as useful indices to guide decision making.

Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry. 31st official report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (1990-2021)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC) presents its annual activity report for 2021.

METHODS

All Spanish centers with catheterization laboratories were invited to participate. Data were collected online and were analyzed by an external company, together with the members of the ACI-SEC.

RESULTS

A total of 121 centers participated (83 public and 38 private). Compared to 2020, both diagnostic coronary angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) increased by 11,4% and 10,3%, respectively. The radial approach was the most used access (92,8%). Primary PCI also increased by 6.2% whereas rescue PCI (1,8%) and facilitated PCI (2,4%) were less frequently conducted. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was one of the interventions with the most relevant increase. A total of 5720 transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures were conducted with an increase of 34,9% compared to 2020 (120 per million in 2021 and 89,4 per million in 2020). Other structural interventions like transcatheter mitral or tricuspid repair, left atrial appendage occlusion and patent foramen oval closure also experienced a significant increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2021 registry demonstrates a clear recovery of the activity both in coronary and structural interventions showing a relevant increase compared to 2020, the year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Decision-Making During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Guided by Optical Coherence Tomography: Insights From the LightLab Initiative

BACKGROUND

Use of intracoronary imaging is associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Yet, the impact of intracoronary imaging on real-time physician decision-making during PCI is not fully known.

METHODS

The LightLab Initiative is a multicenter, prospective, observational study designed to characterize the use of a standardized optical coherence tomography (OCT) workflow during PCI. Participating physicians performed pre-PCI and post-PCI OCT in accordance with this workflow and operator assessments of lesion characteristics and treatment plan were recorded for each lesion based on angiography alone and following OCT. Physicians were categorized as having low (n=15), intermediate (n=13), or high (n=14) OCT use in the year preceding participation.

RESULTS

Among 925 patients with 1328 lesions undergoing PCI, the prescribed OCT workflow was followed in 773 (84%) of patients with 836 lesions. Operator lesion assessment and decision-making during PCI changed with OCT use in 86% (721/836) of lesions. Pre-PCI OCT use changed operator decision-making in 80% of lesions, including lesion assessment (45%), vessel preparation strategy (27%), stent diameter (37%), and stent length (36%). Post-PCI OCT changed stent optimization decision-making in 31% of lesions. These findings were consistent across strata of physician prior OCT experience.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized OCT workflow impacted PCI decision-making in 86% of lesions, with a predominant effect on pre-PCI lesion assessment and planning of treatment strategy. This finding was consistent regardless of operator experience level and provides insight into mechanisms by which intravascular imaging might improve PCI outcomes.

Prognostic Implications of Fractional Flow Reserve After Coronary Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is generally considered to reflect residual disease. Yet the clinical relevance of post-PCI FFR after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical relevance of post-PCI FFR measurement after DES implantation.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant published articles from inception to June 18, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Published articles that reported post-PCI FFR after DES implantation and its association with clinical outcomes were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Patient-level data were collected from the corresponding authors of 17 cohorts using a standardized spreadsheet. Meta-estimates for primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed per patient and using mixed-effects Cox proportional hazard regression with registry identifiers included as a random effect. All processes followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF) at 2 years, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The secondary outcome was a composite of cardiac death or TVMI at 2 years.

RESULTS

Of 2268 articles identified, 29 studies met selection criteria. Of these, 28 articles from 17 cohorts provided data, including a total of 5277 patients with 5869 vessels who underwent FFR measurement after DES implantation. Mean (SD) age was 64.4 (10.1) years and 4141 patients (78.5%) were men. Median (IQR) post-PCI FFR was 0.89 (0.84-0.94) and 690 vessels (11.8%) had a post-PCI FFR of 0.80 or below. The cumulative incidence of TVF was 340 patients (7.2%), with cardiac death or TVMI occurring in 111 patients (2.4%) at 2 years. Lower post-PCI FFR significantly increased the risk of TVF (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per 0.01 FFR decrease, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05; P < .001). The risk of cardiac death or MI also increased inversely with post-PCI FFR (adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07, P = .049). These associations were consistent regardless of age, sex, the presence of hypertension or diabetes, and clinical diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Reduced FFR after DES implantation was common and associated with the risks of TVF and of cardiac death or TVMI. These results indicate the prognostic value of post-PCI physiologic assessment after DES implantation.